Did you know? - South Lakeland District Council
Transcription
Did you know? - South Lakeland District Council
South LAKELANDNEWS Issue 27 www.southlakeland.gov.uk Spring 2015 Vision for the future Council’s joined-up plan for South Lakeland • Pictures clockwise from top-left: Cyclists in South Lakeland; local resident Jill Knowles recycling her household waste; SLDC Councillor Mark Wilson and Pat McIver from GSK in Ulverston with plans for a £350m new factory and builders from Russell Armer working on low-cost new housing at Cragg Close, Kendal A all the pieces of the plan ‘jigsaw’ join together to create a bright future for the district and its residents. The revised Council Plan sets out the authority’s vision for its ambitions up to 2019 and how Council leader Councillor Peter Thornton has described the overall ambition to be ‘greener, fairer and more local.’ BLUEPRINT that details South Lakeland District Council’s key priorities over the next four years has been unveiled. The plan sets out a range of environmental aims as well as emphasising ongoing targets of enabling 1000 new jobs and 1000 affordable rented homes by 2025, and how the council will continue to deliver sustainable and cost-effective services. Chief Executive of South Lakeland District Council, Lawrence Conway, said: “The plan sets out a vision that each of us can recognise and support. South Lakeland will be a place with a prosperous future, that everyone can share in and feel part of. Focus on Council Plan 2015 - pages 4 & 5 “Our environmental credentials sit high on our agenda, and the plans residents wish us to pursue are being delivered. Our commitment will ensure that we are able to balance the needs of the future whilst protecting the stunning beauty and special qualities of South Lakeland.’’ Page 2 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC LEADER’S WELCOME By Cllr Peter Thornton Saving money…and the environment IT HARDLY seems 12 months since I was last asked to pen an introduction to our Council Plan. Where does all the time go? Climate change is happening, no one disputes that. Some say that it’s part of the normal cycle and that it isn’t caused by human activity, but, as Clint Eastwood famously said, “do you feel lucky?’’ The good news is that there are now 101 more affordable homes to rent than 12 months ago and 73 new jobs available as well. The fact is that it costs lots of money to burn carbon. When I recently topped up my loft insulation it saved me money and continues to do so month after month. The UK seems to be gradually pulling out of its economic woes and the South Cumbrian economy is looking towards significant expansion over the next few years. When we promote ever higher standards of insulation in new homes we are making them cheaper to run. A good secure home and worthwhile employment are two things that we all wish for the next generation. But in addition, we want an environment that is clean, safe and sustainable. That’s the theme of this year’s Council Plan. Working to tackle empty shops in our towns Latest figures show that Kirkby Lonsdale currently has no empty shop units. Empty shop numbers are collected every quarter by the Economy and Assets team at South Lakeland District Council in Kendal, Ulverston, Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness and now Kirkby Lonsdale, Grange and Milnthorpe. • John Strange from Crossing Point (above) and Kirkby Lonsdale town centre (below). If we spend time working on the routes of our refuse lorries in order to trim off a few miles we are cutting the council’s costs and helping to deliver our fifth year of a Council Tax freeze . Saving money and producing less carbon, who can argue with that? Peter Thornton Tel: 01539 717202 Email: [email protected] THE national average for shop vacancy rates currently stands at 13.3% and the north west average is 18.6%, although in some towns in the region it is as high as 26%. The overall average for South Lakeland stands at 8.12%. As well as Kirkby Lonsdale’s 0% figure – which is down from 3.6% in the last quarter - the latest figures show the number of empty shops in Windermere and Kendal has also shown a decrease this quarter, with Windermere having only four vacant shops and of the 431 in the previous quarter, and is now at 10.1%. In Windermere this equates to just a 3.3% vacancy rate, while in Kendal for the third consecutive quarter the figure has shown a fall and is now at 9.5%, the lowest level for six years. Bowness has three new empty shops, from 11 to 14, (9.3%) and the number of vacant shops in Grange-over-Sands has gone up from three to five (6.4%). John Strange has recently opened the Crossing Point Café in Kirkby Lonsdale and has seen a steady growth in business. John said: “We have had great support from the community and Town Council, people are very loyal. Smaller towns like Kirkby Lonsdale are perfect for independent business.” South Lakeland News is published by South Lakeland District Council and distributed to all homes in the district. Other towns in the district have seen slight increases in vacancy rates this quarter, but the majority are still well below national and regional averages. You can contact the council at: South Lakeland District Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4DQ. Tel: 01539 733333 Fax: 01539 740300 Email: [email protected] Website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk Advertisements SLDC accepts no liability from any contract entered into with any advertiser. The publication of adverts in this newspaper does not imply approval or recommendation by the council of those goods and services advertised. In Ulverston the number of empty shops has increased from 14 to 16 (9.4%) in the same period, while in Ambleside there has also been an increase to 17, up from 14 Find us on Twitter and Facebook We put all our news releases and updates on both sites as well as photos and other bits of information so it’s a great way to keep up-to-date with the council. You can use these sites to talk to us, start discussions and ask us any questions. Search for South Lakeland on Facebook and find us @SouthLakelandDC on Twitter. Printed by Johnston Press. shops in Kendal, only 41 are recorded as empty. Milnthorpe continues to have the district’s highest empty shop rate at 16.67%. Councillor Giles Archibald, SLDC portfolio holder for Town Centres and Small Business said: “It is fantastic to see Kirkby Lonsdale thriving and it is one of the very few towns in the UK to have no empty shops. “Although the figures are very positive for Kirkby Lonsdale, Windermere and Kendal, we also recognise that the picture isn’t universally positive across the district and we know there is much work still to do. We will continue to visually enhance high streets and work with local town and parish councils and business communities to help reduce shop vacancy rates.’’ © Photo credits With thanks to Steve Barber, Ben Barden, Cumbria Tourism, Giles Brown. www.southlakeland.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Proposals unveiled for £250k lake shore investment PROPOSALS have been unveiled for a quarter of a million pound upgrade to a popular Lake District tourist destination. views attract visitors from all over the world every year. The proposals to improve the Waterhead promenade include resurfacing walkways, repairing walls and installing a ‘panorama’ board, developed with Ambleside Civic Trust, to identify key Lakeland landmarks that can be seen from the shore. Other suggestions in the consultation plans include new benches and seating, better landscaping and railings and litter bins more in keeping with the location and surroundings. Page 3 South Lakeland News SLDC is investing £250,000 to fund the improvements and Lakes Parish Council is also committing up to £20,000 to the scheme. Councillor Giles Archibald, SLDC portfolio holder for town centres and small business, said: “This is an exciting project that will greatly improve a popular and much-loved Lake District location. “Waterhead is a magnet for visitors and locals alike and offers superb views of the lake. It deserves a high quality, attractive promenade in keeping with its spectacular surroundings.’’ Ambleside and Grasmere’s district councillors, Councillor Heidi Halliday and Councillor Vivienne Rees, are also backing the plans. Cllr Halliday said: “This project shows partnership working at its very best’’, while Cllr Rees added: “We know how important that area is to local families as well as tourists and look forward to seeing a longheld dream become reality.’’ South Lakeland District Council has been consulting on its plans for improvements at Waterhead, on the northern shore of Windermere. • AFTER: Artist’s impression of how the new-look Waterhead promenade could look Waterhead includes an extensive lake frontage, with a ferry pier and a mix of hotels, guesthouses, a youth hostel, pub, shops and cafes. It forms a gateway to Ambleside and the rest of the northern Lakes and its stunning Did you know? • So far in 2014/15 Kendal Leisure Centre has been used for 111,586 activities. In the same period Ulverston Leisure Centre has been used for 59,430 activities Community power plan A COMMUNITY ‘micro hydro’ scheme has been backed by councillors. Members of South Lakeland District Council’s (SLDC) Cabinet have agreed to purchase land in Killington needed for an energygenerating project and transfer it at the same price to the community trust behind the plans. The Killington and District Sustainable Energy Trust (K-SET) want to install a screw turbine on the Broad Raine Weir on the River Lune at Killington. Surveys show the 50kW turbine could generate enough power to provide the energy needs of around 40 homes. Did you know? • Waterhead • BEFORE: How looks today Cabinet hits the road Council’s proposed budget is balanced for investment Council Tax is due to be frozen for the fifth year running. THE SOUTH Lakeland District Council draft budget proposes a 0% Council Tax increase for 2015/16, and includes proposals for growth projects worth nearly £500,000, including schemes to support business, fund environmental initiatives and deliver improvements to parks and open spaces. The proposed budget also protects front-line services and key ongoing projects like the plastics and cardboard kerbside recycling roll-out. The majority of car parking fees would be frozen under the proposals and an ‘early bird’ offer would be trialled for six months from 1 April in the Westmorland Shopping Centre car park in Kendal, that would offer all-day parking for £2.20 to drivers arriving between 7am and 9am (usual all-day price is £6). Reduced price parking permits are also due to be trialled in Milnthorpe. The report to Full Council also identifies where savings can be made to ensure a balanced budget for 2015/16 and looks at ways to reduce projected deficits in 2016/17 and 2018/19. The council will receive £730,000 from the government’s New Homes Bonus (NHB) for 2015/16, an increase of nearly £380,000 on the previous year, reflecting the council’s success in delivering new properties, affordable homes and reducing empty properties in the district. This NHB money is ring-fenced, so that 60% goes to support affordable housing projects and the remaining 40% goes to community projects, including a £240,000 pot of cash available to fund bids from South Lakeland community organisations in 2015/16. The biggest savings for next year are from the council’s own back office efficiencies and improvements, including a new digital innovation project to make it easier for customers to access council services, as well as green energy savings and increasing the life-span of the council’s recycling vehicles from seven to 10 years. The proposed budget supports the key aims laid out in the authority’s blueprint Council Plan for South Lakeland (For details, see pages 4 and 5). These include strengthening environmental ambitions to be a ‘greener’ council, extending kerbside recycling of plastics SLDC made 4 million waste collections between April 2013 and March 2014 - 99.5% on the scheduled collection day and cardboard, further promoting cycling and helping the regeneration of town centres with support for festivals and events. SLDC was praised by auditors in September for providing value for money for residents and the robust way it manages its finances, and Council Leader Councillor Peter Thornton said this draft budget was further evidence of the authority’s tight grip on the way it manages public money and prioritises its resources within tighter budgets. Councillor Thornton said: “This is a prudent and well thought-out budget and demonstrates once again that this council is committed to making sound financial decisions in the best interests of the district and its residents.’’ www.southlakeland.gov.uk THE COUNCIL’S Cabinet will be hitting the road as it holds its meeting on 25 March 2015 at Staveley Village Hall. Cabinet usually sits at Kendal Town Hall, but the council started an “Out and About” initiative, where it will, from time to time, hold Cabinet meetings in different locations around South Lakeland. The meeting in Staveley will start at 10.30am, and will be preceded at 10am by a half hour session during which representatives of the local community have been invited to address Cabinet on local issues. Did you know? • In 2014 we received 692 Freedom of Information requests, an increase of 163 on the previous year. 83% were responded to within 20 working days. Page 4 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC KEY POINTS Focus on the Council Health and Wellbeing • Work with North Country Leisure to improve health, wellbeing and physical activity programmes that are accessible to all residents and visitors • Through the South Lakeland Health and Wellbeing Forum develop relationships with key public health and third sector providers to enable a more joined-up approach to initiatives linking good housing, environment and economic growth • • • • Work with partners to reduce the numbers of people affected by domestic violence, substance misuse and antisocial behaviour through Community Safety Partnership work Strengthen the district’s creative and cultural reputation, supporting leading cultural organisations to secure investment, improving infrastructure in the district’s towns to support South Lakeland as a premier area for culture, arts, events and festivals Encourage the best use of the distinctive environment to attract more activities that strengthen the district’s visitor economy and the health and wellbeing of residents Work in support of a crematorium facility in South Lakeland Housing • • • • • • • • • • Enable delivery of new market and affordable homes on allocated housing sites, including the creation of 1,000 new affordable homes for rent by 2025. Review and update environmental standards that help people to improve their homes and help builders to build environmentally sustainable new homes. Work to help deliver housing needs, including barn conversions, self-build and green build initiatives Plan for an ageing population and develop policies for new homes in small rural settlements. Encourage a range of housing to allow young people to stay in the area, and to attract new young people to the district. Improve the quality and condition of private sector housing Reduce the number of empty homes Promote the landlord accreditation scheme to help raise the standard of privately rented homes. Lobby government to challenge high levels of second homes in some areas of the district Help householders with advice about energy saving initiatives and will work with partners to reduce homelessness. Council unveils ‘greenest’ plan ever A BLUEPRINT for the council’s priorities over the next four years has been unveiled. • Lakes International Comic Art festival © LakesPhotographer.co.uk Health and Wellbeing The second Lakes International Comic Art festival created a buzz in Kendal town-centre last October, with comic artists, graphic novelists and thousands of fans attending from around the world. More than 50 events took place over three days of the festival, which is supported by SLDC. “It has come on leaps and bounds and in no short measure due to enthusiasm of the local businesses, schools, colleges and community groups.” One of SLDC’s Council Plan priorities is to build on the area’s cultural reputation as a place for nationally recognised arts, events and festivals, to both strengthen the visitor economy and the health and wellbeing of residents. The festival has grown since it started in October 2013, attracting more visitors to South Lakeland. Full Council has been recommended to approve the revised Council Plan, after it was approved by Cabinet members in January. The Council Plan sets out the authority’s vision and priorities for South Lakeland up to 2019, and how these will be achieved. Proposals to strengthen environmental ambitions to be the ‘greenest’ council, extend kerbside recycling of plastics and cardboard, further promote cycling and help the regeneration of town centres with support for festivals and events have been earmarked as priorities. The updated 2015 Plan also emphasises the council’s ongoing commitment to its overall targets of enabling 1000 new jobs and 1000 affordable rented homes by 2025, and how it will continue to deliver sustainable and cost-effective services. It includes information to reflect the progress being made towards those targets, which shows that by the end of quarter three SLDC will have enabled 73 new jobs - predicted to increase to 109 by the end of March 2015. SLDC has also enabled 101 new affordable homes for rent at the end of quarter three, with the potential to increase to 185 by end of March 2015. The council achieved savings of £1.2m in 2014 and further savings totalling £800,000 have been identified for 2015/16, to produce balanced budgets for both years. Comic Art festival organiser, Julie Tait said: “It was an overwhelming success and was a development from the first year. Housing Catriona Brown and her husband Darren bought their first home in Kendal five years ago with the help of the council’s low cost home ownership scheme. The scheme provides a number of ways local people can afford housing that has a lower purchase price or rent than available on the open market. Catriona grew up in Underbarrow, and says without the help from SLDC would not have been able to afford to buy a house in her home town. Catriona said: “Our monthly mortgage payment is less than what we were paying in monthly rent and it’s our own place.’’ Thanks to the help from SLDC Catriona and Darren are now hoping to move up the housing ladder to a bigger house, now that their family has grown with the arrival of twins, Reuben and Alathea. A key Council Plan priority is to enable the creation of 1000 new affordable homes for rent and to support access to affordable housing through schemes such as low cost home ownership. • For more information about low cost home ownership visit: www.south lakeland.gov.uk/ housing/ affordable-housing/ low-cost-homeownership/ HOW ARE WE DOING? OUR KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES... Quality of Life Housing Employment Building and planning In 2014 48% of residents responding to an independent Quality of Life survey said they are satisfied with the way SLDC runs things. In 2014 we helped create 101 affordable rented homes towards our target of 1000 new affordable rented homes by 2025 So far in 2014/15 SLDC helped to create 73 new jobs towards our target of 1000 new jobs by 2025 In 2014 we dealt with 89% of all household planning applications within eight weeks (In 2013/14 we helped create 113 new jobs) (2013/14: 82%; 2012/13: 53%) (2012: 37%; 2010: 35%) www.southlakeland.gov.uk/performance-dashboard Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Plan... This represents a 12.5% reduction in the net annual revenue budget of £16m, while for the fifth year running proposing a freeze on Council Tax. Council Leader Thornton (pictured) said: “We want to be greener, fairer and more local and these ambitions are emphasised throughout the plan. “In 2015 we will be working to strengthen our environmental ambition to be the greenest council, by ensuring we support our communities and businesses to reduce energy consumption and move towards renewable sources. “These ambitions enable our communities and our councils to save money at the same time as they reduce our carbon footprint. “We will roll out kerbside recycling of cardboard and plastics across the whole district and encourage people to recycle more so the amount of nonrecyclable waste we collect is reduced. Economy Sam Ridding was offered a job at the Ginger Bakers in September 2013 when the popular Kendal-based bakery expanded. Sam studied catering at college and had worked in hotels before he started baking. He said: “It’s a really great job and I get on really well with everyone I work with.” South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has supported Ginger Bakers’ success by helping them create a business profile and assisting with promotion. Owner of Ginger Bakers, Lisa Smith, has been able to Page 5 South Lakeland News Environment “We will promote cycling in South Lakeland. Working in partnership with key organisations across the district, we want to help deliver safer routes to work and school and encourage people to take up cycling as part of their leisure activity. “We will support the regeneration of our town centres by doing more to encourage festivals and events, which also contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. “We will continue to increase the number of apprentices working at the council. We will continue to look for efficiencies whilst improving customer service. By 2016 we will provide customers with improved access to our services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “This will see an increase in the number of services accessible to our customers via the website, whilst maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact, for those customers who need it.’’ Celia Case took advantage of South Lakeland District Council’s draught-proofing scheme to reduce her heating costs. As much as 30% of the heat lost from homes is due to draughts and through its Draught Busters Scheme, SLDC offers a free draughtproofing service to qualifying vulnerable and elderly households. It is part of its Council Plan commitment to support communities to become more energy efficient. Mrs Case lives in a cottage in Staveley-in-Cartmel, parts of which date back 300 years. Through Draught Busters Mrs Case had draught excluders fitted around her front and interconnecting doors, to help eliminate heat loss, and is also due to have more excluders fitted to her letterbox. Mrs Case said: "I think it is an excellent scheme, I think it will really make a difference to my heating bill. I saw an article in South Lakeland News and I thought I should make the most of it. A lot of people could really benefit from this." • For more details about Draught Busters, including details of who is eligible for help, visit: www.southlakeland.gov.uk/ housing/housingassistance/draught-busters scheme/ or call the housing department on 01539 733333. KEY POINTS Environment • Extend the range of recycled materials collected from the kerbside • Reduce carbon emissions by reducing its energy use through the management of land and buildings and will encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint • Support communities to become more energy efficient, such as helping develop microrenewable energy generating projects • Support Cumbria County Council and local partners on their strategies for cycling, such as developing safer routes to work and school and promoting cycle tourism • Work with local communities to improve and manage parks and open spaces • Promote air and water quality and address environmental nuisance complaints • Support our National park partners to make the Lake District National Park a World Heritage Site • Continue to improve and enhance facilities for lake users on Windermere • Celia Case, Staveley-in-Cartmel • Ginger Bakers expand the business thanks to funding from one of SLDC’s key partners, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Lisa said: “We are planning to take on someone else in the next few months too. We have had a grant from LEP Rural Growth Fund for equipment and this will enable further expansion and further employment.” A key Council Plan commitment is to enable jobs and business growth in accordance with the Cumbria Strategic Economic Plan, working in partnership with the LEP and local businesses. Support and advice for growing businesses like Ginger Bakers is just one way SLDC is creating economic growth and employment. Environment Waste Recycling Health and Wellbeing April 2013 to March 2014 SLDC reduced its operational carbon footprint to 3,300 CO2e Kg (Exceeds target that by March 2019 council will reduce its carbon footprint to 3,610 CO2e Kg) In 2013/14 we reduced the average amount of grey bin household waste collected per household by 40Kg, from 510Kg to 470Kg 43% of household waste collected by SLDC was sent for reuse, recycling and composting in 2012/13 During the period July to September 2014 the total membership of leisure centres in the district has increased by 27 from 1,151 to 1,178 (National average is 43%) www.southlakeland.gov.uk/performance-dashboard Economy • Support the development of higher paid jobs in South Lakeland by enabling growth and working in partnership with Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and local businesses • Help to deliver new employment sites and promote inward investment into the district • Plan for future major infrastructure needs to support growth in Kendal and Ulverston • Work with local traders and town and parish councils to set out the vision for our towns over the next 10 years to help secure their future • Address issues of empty shops and empty properties above shops • Continue with the strategic review of SLDC-controlled car parks, to increase the economic benefits in the towns across the district • Investigate options for a coach parking facility in Kendal Page 6 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC Election information If you work away during the week, have difficulty getting to your polling station or are going on holiday at the time of the election, you may be able to apply for a postal or proxy vote. Did you know? • So far in 2014/15 SLDC has investigated 292 cases of fly-tipping in the district. Festival boosts economy THE 2014 Kendal Mountain Festival helped give the local economy a £2m boost. The festival in November – which is part-funded by SLDC brought together experts and enthusiasts for a weekend of films, talks and workshops.In excess of 11,000 festival-goers headed to Kendal, with associated spending worth around £2 million to the local economy. Sedbergh’s vital new hub A ‘VITAL’ new hub that will act as a focal point for business in Sedbergh and the surrounding rural district has been launched. Sedbergh Business Hub was declared open in November. The former butcher’s shop had been vacant for more than 20 years and in a state of disrepair. Investment from the owner, with funding support from the Rural Growth Network programme, South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) and the Yorkshire Dales National Park (YDNP) has enabled the project to come to fruition. New TIC operator A TOURIST information centre has been given a new lease of life after it was taken over by a well-known company. Mountain Goat Tours and Holidays has been awarded the lease for the TIC building in Windermere by SLDC. The centre had faced an uncertain future after the previous operators indicated their intention to surrender the lease on the building, which is owned by SLDC. The council agreed to run another ‘expression of interest’ process to find a new occupier that would also provide a TIC service. Museum future secured THE FUTURE of Kendal Museum has been secured thanks to a decision taken by councillors. SLDC’s Cabinet has agreed to surrender its historic ‘user rights’ on the museum building in Station Road so that the museum’s operators, Kendal College, and owners can press ahead with plans to upgrade the attraction, including developing it as a ‘teaching museum.’ The closing dates for applying for a postal or proxy vote are: The General Election is coming! Are you registered to vote, and can you have your say at the next General Election, which will be held on Thursday 7 May 2015? Local elections will also be held that day. You can only vote if your name is included in the Register of Electors. Following the introduction of Individual Electoral Registration (IER) last year, a number of people may still not be registered. Letters were sent to every residential property in South Lakeland at the end of January listing the names of people who were registered to vote at that time. If you haven’t checked your letter – do so now. If someone isn’t listed they are not registered - but all they have to do is go to: www.gov.uk/register-tovote to register. It’s quick and easy. You need to provide your date of birth and National Insurance Number (NINO) to register. If you are unable to access a computer, call the Electoral Services team who can register you online or post a form to you. Don’t leave it too late to register. Your details must be verified first which can take 1-2 days - longer if there are any problems. The closing date for registration applications is Monday 20 April 2015, but make sure you register well before this date. Remember – you need to be registered under IER before you can have a postal or proxy vote. 5pm on Tuesday 21 April - for new postal vote applications or changes to an existing postal or proxy vote 5pm on Tuesday 28 April - for new proxy vote applications. More details about postal or proxy votes are available on our website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk SLDC wards with scheduled elections this year are: Ambleside & Grasmere Arnside & Beetham Broughton Burneside Burton & Holme Cartmel & Grange West Grange North Grange South Holker Low Furness Mid Furness Sedbergh & Kirkby Lonsdale Whinfell Windermere Applethwaite & Troutbeck Windermere Bowness North Windermere Bowness South Windermere Town The parish and town councils with scheduled elections this year are: Aldingham Arnside Barbon Beetham Burneside Casterton Duddon Egton-with-Newland, Mansriggs & Osmotherley Grange Hutton Roof Kirkby Ireleth Kirkby Lonsdale Lakes Lower Allithwaite Lower Holker Lupton New Hutton Old Hutton & Holmescales Pennington Preston Patrick Skelsmergh & Scalthwaiterigg Underbarrow & Bradleyfield Urswick, Bardsea & Stainton Windermere Please remember that polling stations can change. Voters in the Ulverston East Ward (Ulverston East Polling District (UE)), which only has the General Election this year, have a new polling station which is the Children’s Centre on Lund Terrace, Ulverston. Voters in the Upper Holker Ward of Lower Allithwaite Parish (Upper Holker Polling District (DJ)) will be able to vote once again at Cartmel Village Hall. These voters will also be able to vote in District and Parish Council elections this year. Make sure you read your poll card carefully as it will tell you where to go to vote. Don’t just assume that your polling station is the same as last time, as there may be other changes before polling day. • For further information, please contact SLDC Electoral Services by calling 01539 733333 or email: elections@southlakeland. gov.uk Interested in being a District or Parish Councillor? There is a formal process to follow with the deadline for submission of nomination papers being 4pm on 9 April. More information is available on SLDC’s website: www.southlakeland.gov.uk Young people are being urged to grab a slice of this May’s election action by making sure they are registered to vote. To support National Voter Registration Day, SLDC and social enterprise organisation Inspira visited secondary schools and Kendal College to inform and promote the importance of students registering to vote and to increase the number of 18- 24 year-olds registered. In this column, Shannon Twiddy, a member of the Lakeland Youth Council, gives a personal account of the importance of young people using their vote. Why am I voting in the General Election? By voting in the May general election, the younger generation finally get a chance to have their voices heard and get involved in issues that are going to affect their future. It is important for me to vote, as many of the big parties have policies that involve issues such as university fees, education funding and living and minimum wage - things that are vital for me as I progress into adulthood and will directly improve the quality of life. Voting is stereotypically done by the older generation within the UK, and many young people feel that politicians favour older people in comparison to younger. By changing this, voting and increasing the statistics around young people, the politicians are more likely to see the increase and make policies that will benefit us as young adults. With us being the upcoming generation, these policies are going to affect us more than they will affect anyone else. Voting isn’t a difficult task. Once you’ve registered, it’s simple and, in my opinion, it is my and the other young peoples’ duty to do so. If you vote in local elections you get to influence issues in your local area. If you don’t vote, then you don’t really have the right to complain on what the outcome is - therefore I will be voting and having my voice heard. www.southlakeland.gov.uk • Shannon Twiddy, Lakeland Youth Council Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Page 7 South Lakeland News Dementia friendly campaign Leisure centres LOW Furness and Ulverston Local Area Partnership (LAP) is working to make its area dementia friendly. ride to improvement NORTH Country Leisure (NCL) is continuing to improve facilities at the district’s leisure centres. A key development has been the introduction of new indoor ‘Cyclone’ cycling classes. An indoor cycling studio has been created at Kendal Leisure Centre to accommodate the popular sessions, which focus on building strength and endurance. Cyclists can explore hundreds of miles of scenic routes without ever leaving the studio, watching ‘virtual’ routes played on a big screen in the studio to motivate them to work harder and pedal faster. Ulverston Tennis Centre, next to Ulverston Leisure Centre, also has regular Cyclone sessions. The LAP has already produced a leaflet “Dementia: The Facts” and held an advice day for members of the public giving them the opportunity to speak directly to dementia health professionals. The bikes used in the sessions enable cyclists to control their own intensity, wheel resistance and riding position to suit the workout. This allows beginners and more experienced riders to take part in the same class. The next stage of the campaign is a training session for Ulverston businesses on 18 March highlighting what they can do to make their premises dementia friendly. SLDC’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Graham Vincent, said: “The developments at the leisure centres support our council plan commitment to improve health, wellbeing and physical activity programmes that are accessible to all our residents and visitors.” The gym at Ulverston Leisure Centre has almost doubled in size with 36 pieces of equipment. The Cyclone classes are not the only new developments at Kendal and Ulverston Leisure Centres. New fitness gyms have been opened at both centres, with state-of-the-art gym equipment. A multi-purpose studio has been created at Kendal Leisure Centre with a new fitness class timetable. Last October, the swimming pool changing rooms at Kendal were refurbished to include an additional group changing facility to allow more group swimming sessions to take place at the same time as public swimming. A new fitness class programme has been introduced at a number of venues in Ulverston. The alternative venues have enabled NCL to increase the size of the classes. NCL has further developments planned to improve South Lakeland leisure facilities, with work due to begin in March on an outdoor 3G multi-sports pitch at Ulverston. • Cyclone Session at Kendal Leisure Centre www.northcountryleisure.org.uk Council backs World Heritage Site bid The council is backing a campaign to see the Lake District recognised as a World Heritage Site (WHS). Such status would place the Lake District alongside destinations like the Taj Mahal, Tower of London and Great Barrier Reef in its worldwide importance. Sites are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that have a cultural and natural international significance and are important to future generations. SLDC is a member of the Lake District National Park Partnership, comprising 26 local and national organisations, which is behind the bid. WHS status would raise the Lake District’s international profile, boost tourism - particularly cultural tourism, improve the area’s ability to secure funding and investment, improve the sustainability of upland farming, and promote the area as a world-class place to do business. A report to councillors states WHS status would not only For details of this free training session contact Emilie Thornley, email Emilie.Thornley@southlakeland. gov.uk, telephone 01539 793440. Business growth support AN EVENT was organised to help business owners learn how education providers can help them to grow. SLDC’s economic development team hosted the ‘business skills for growth – higher education special’ at Cartmel Racecourse. Delegates heard from speakers from Lancaster University, Kendal College, Furness College, University of Central Lancashire, and University of Cumbria. Development brief go-ahead affect the Lake District National Park – which is the area covered by the bid – but would also benefit the longterm economic prospects for the whole of South Lakeland. The bid is due to be submitted to UNESCO by January 2016, with a decision expected by May 2017. A DETAILED development brief setting out planning guidance on the development of land for housing at Swarthmoor, near Ulverston, has been approved by councillors. The adoption of the development brief for the Crossa-Moor site follows two separate six-week consultations, during which residents were invited to have their say on the design and layout requirements for any development on the site. The council is one of the first in the North West to have completed a Local Plan which allocates sites to meet the district’s need for housing or business developments. The Local Plan supports the key council plan commitment to deliver 1000 new higher paid jobs and 1000 new affordable homes for rent by 2025. Did you know? • www.southlakeland.gov.uk From April 2013 to March 2014 a total of 1,087 food premises inspections were carried out by SLDC. Page 8 South Lakeland News Praise for council’s ‘A-board’ code Of conduct • From left to right: John Wilkinson, Paul Iley and Malcom Corbett from the Vital campaign group. A group campaigning on issues affecting people with impaired vision has praised a code of conduct to help manage the use of ‘A-boards’ in Kendal town centre. SLDC and traders worked together to develop the code of conduct, which seeks to ensure A-boards outside shops and businesses don’t cause obstructions and don’t have a negative visual impact on the town centre street environment. The code was drawn up in response to concerns raised about unauthorised A-boards and health and safety concerns that they could be a hazard to highway users, particularly people with sight problems. The code was trialled for a year and was then formally adopted by the council in March 2014. A group of visually impaired campaigners who are part of the Vital Group, supported by Sight Advice in Kendal, have praised the scheme. John Wilkinson from Vital said: “A substantial improvement has taken place over the past year in relation to the placement of A-boards. “We would like to thank the Chamber of Commerce, retailers and South Lakeland District Council for the successful implementation of their code. Page 9 South Lakeland News Your guide to Saturday 25 April – Monday 4 May What’s On Ulverston Walk Fest Ulverston Walk Fest has a full programme to cater for all walking abilities with over 30 walks on offer over the 10 day festival. Many walks have a theme; local history, sketching, mapreading, wildlife and conservation and all are led by experienced walk leaders. There is something for all the family with Coniston Old Man and Goats Water, Bat Walk and Advanced Map Reading walks. www.ulverstonwalkfest.co.uk Wednesday 4 March 2015 Orchids of Cumbria Plumgarths, Kendal Peter Bullard, Cumbria Wildlife Trust Director, will talk about the wonderful variety of orchids which can be found in various habitats in the county. www.cumbriawildlifetrust. org.uk Saturday 7 March 2015 Lakeland Sinfonia Kendal Leisure Centre Two great friends of the Lakeland Sinfonia are welcomed back in its 40th year. Wyn Davies will conduct and Martino Tirimo will play Chopin's PianoComnceto No.2. Rossini's Overture "L'Italiana in Algeri" starts the evening, Ravel's "Ravane our une infante defunte" and Beethoven's Symphony No.4 end an excellent concert. www.lakelandsinfonia.org.uk Saturday 7 March 2015 World Book Day The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-onWindermere To continue the celebrations from World Book Day World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is offering free entry to all accompanied children dressed as their favourite character. www.hop-skip-jump.com/ Saturday 7 March 2015 – Sunday 8 March 2015 “It is a great help to people with sight loss to have less clutter on pavements, but it is also a great help to people in wheelchairs, people on mobility scooters and mums and dads with buggies.’’ Kendal Festival of Food The code aims to ‘ensure free pedestrian passage along pavements and footways for all users’ and ‘to avoid a negative impact on the visual street environment.’ Kendal Mary Wakefield Westmorland Festival is one of the longestestablished competitive music festivals in Britain. The week-long festival includes Kendal Town Centre See inset. Saturday 14 March – Saturday 21 March Mary Wakefield Westmorland Festival in South Lakeland There is something for everyone in South Lakeland to enjoy this spring, from food and music festivals to days out at the races. Whether you are heading to one of our attractive town centres, picturesque villages or beautiful lakes, they will be out in bloom. You can take your pick from a range of activities and events to make Easter break jam-packed. rock, pop and jazz fun day, Westmorland Orchestra Concert and showcase concert. www.mwwf.org.uk refreshments served on both days, always plenty of daffodils. Sunday 22 March – Saturday 28 March Low Farm, Lyth Valley A celebration to herald the arrival of spring in Westmorland and the damson blossom. The fair will be packed with crafts, entertainment and refreshments. www.lythdamsons.org.uk South Cumbria Musical Festival Coronation Hall, Ulverston The South Cumbria Musical Festival is a competitive event for all aspects of performing arts, with a varied selection of music and speech classes. www.southcumbriamusical festival.co.uk Monday 11 May – Sunday 17 May Freerange Comedy Festival Saturday 11 April Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal See inset. Damson Day Country Fair Sunday 17 May Brathay Windermere Marathon Windermere The Brathay Windermere Marathon and Family Fun Day provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the picturesque Brathay Hall Estate in Ambleside. www.brathay.org.uk Sunday 15 March 2015 Mother’s Day The World Of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness-onWindermere All Mums go free into The World of Beatrix Potter attraction on Mother’s Day and because we all love them so much, every child can plant a sunflower or nasturtium in a pot to take home for mum. www.hop-skip-jump.com/ Saturday 21 of March 2015 World Poetry Day The Wordsworth Trust, Grasmere Celebrate World Poetry Day 2015 with poetry readings and activities for all ages. www.wordsworth.org.uk/home. html Saturday 21 March 2015 Coniston 14 Road Race John Ruskin School, Coniston Road Race around Coniston Water organised by local volunteers. All proceeds to local charities. www.coniston14.com Saturday 21 March 2015 Sunday 22 March 2015 Ambleside Spring Flower Show Kelsick Centre, Ambleside Spring flower show with classes for handicrafts, floral art, children's classes, cookery, photographs, pot plants, Saturday 25 April – Monday 4 May Ulverston Walk Fest Ulverston See inset. Saturday 25 April – Monday 4 May Ulverston Flag Fortnight Ulverston Ulverston will be filled with colour as hundreds of flags will fill the town, with many businesses, shops, homes and public buildings getting involved. There will be a mix of old flags that have been restored and carefully looked after and new flags purposely created to reflect the place it represents. www.ulverston.net Saturday 2 May – Sunday 3 May Printfest Coronation Hall, Ulverston Printfest is an artist led printmaking festival showcasing exhibits of contemporary prints and is the only print festival in Northern Britain. It offers the opportunity to view and purchase art works, meet the artists and find out more about printmaking. www.printfest.org.uk Saturday 7 March – Sunday 8 March Kendal Festival of Food For two days Kendal will play host to a festival that celebrates all things food and drink. It is a chance for all food lovers to experience some of the best food the region has to offer, from artisans and producers to world class chefs and new talent. The packed line-up for this year's festival has something to indulge everyone's tastes buds with a full timetable of demonstrations, talks and tutored tasting. Talks include a cheat’s guide to tempering chocolate, a journey through cheese and a ‘Celebration of the Cumberland sausage’. Kendal will be filled with more than 95 artisan and producer stalls with tastings, tips and entertainment. There will be something to tempt everyone with stalls including New Leaf Tea Tasters, North Chocolates, Staff of Life Bakery and Cartmel Cheese. One of the highlights of this year's festival is a special evening with acclaimed restaurant critic and journalist Jay Rayner at the Brewery Arts Centre. This year the festival will launch a new venue; the Drink Yard, hosted by Wainwrights Yard. Festival goers will be offered the chance to shop from some of the region’s celebrated drink producers, and join the fun in the drinks talks and tastings theatre. For more information about the festival visit: www.Kendalfestival offood.co.uk. Freerange Comedy Festival Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal The Freerange Comedy Festival plays host to comedians, sketch shows and comedy theatre performing at the Brewery Arts Centre and other venues around the South Lakeland. Past locations have included mountain tops. The first few acts announced at this year’s Freerange Comedy Festival include: Shappi Khorsandi (pictured), Katherine Ryan, Lucy Beaumont, Paul Foot and Rich Hall. www.breweryarts.co.uk filled marquees, inspiring show gardens, live garden theatre and rare and unusual plants; green fingered visitors will be spoilt for choice. www.holkerfestival.co.uk Saturday 30 May – Sunday 31 May Country Fest Saturday 23 May – Sunday 24 May County Showfield, Crooklands A celebration of food and countryside, there will be entertainment and activities on offer, cookery demonstrations, agricultural displays and stalls filled with information and tasty treats. www.westmorlandshow.co.uk Taste Cumbria Ulverston Food Festival Friday 12 June – Saturday 20 June Ulverston Over the course of the weekend, Ulverston’s town centre will be transformed by a producers’ market selling the best food and drink Cumbria has to offer. Renowned local chefs will run informal demonstrations and master classes. There will be a wide selection of family entertainment and activities. www.tastecumbria.com/festivalgenerate-millions-economy/ Monday 25 May and Wednesday 27 May Cartmel Races Cartmel Racecourse See inset. Friday 29 May – Sunday 31 May Holker Garden Festival Holker Hall, Cark in Cartmel Bursting with magnificent horticultural displays, fragrance Check out: www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk for the most up to date details Pulling together for festive fortnight success Monday 11 May – Sunday 17 May • Shoppers enjoying the Germanstyle Christmas market in Kendal in December bringing the world's best musicians to Furness and Cumbria. The festival was founded in 2004 by concert pianist Anthony Hewitt. Since the festival started it has grown in size, now with over 20 events taking place over nine days. www.ulverstonmusicfestival.co. uk International Music Festival Ulverston The Ulverston International Music Festival presents classical and jazz artists of international renown through a programme of concerts and Outreach work, Monday 25 May and Wednesday 27 May Cartmel Races Cartmel Racecourse Enjoy a day out at the award-winning Cartmel racecourse. The two days will be action packed with races and if the horses aren’t exciting enough there will be a funfair, a great range of trade stands and food outlets to keep everyone entertained. www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk A festive fortnight of Christmas events has been hailed a success. South Lakeland District Council organised a programme of festive-themed events and attractions in Kendal in the two weeks leading up to Christmas. The centre-piece was a four-day German-style Christmas market - complete with 16 wooden chalets – which was inspired by Kendal’s twin town Rinteln, which has its popular Christmas markets every year. Other events included a 22-stall Made in Cumbria Christmas market, the usual street markets and a 28-stall farmers’ market. Additional attractions included an ice rink, street entertainers, brass bands, a special guest appearance from a Disney approved Elsa from ‘Frozen’ character and children from local schools putting on performances in Market Place. The programme was delivered in partnership with Kendal Business Improvement District (BID), with financial support from Kendal Town Council, to help stimulate the town centre economy. Kendal BID funded a free parkand-ride service from K Village into the town centre during December and teamed-up with SLDC to offer some great deals on car parking, with free parking on all SLDC operated pay-and-display car parks in Kendal on Sundays in December. SLDC Portfolio holder for Town Centres and Small Business, Councillor Giles Archibald, said: “This was a pilot year for a Kendal Festive Fortnight and the initial feedback has been very positive. “The vast majority of shopkeepers in Market Place thought it was a good event and brought people in to the town centre. “It has been a positive example of partnership working, with SLDC, the Town Council, Kendal BID, and the town’s traders all pulling together to do something different and positive to support the local economy.’’ Page 10 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC Spotlight on Hawkshead • Head teacher of Hawkshead Esthwaite County Primary School Joyce Hallam Working together to put the honey back in Hawkshead’s pot HAWKSHEAD has a name that is almost as famous as the Lake District itself. Mention it to most people and they will immediately have visions of a quaint village in a rural idyll. This is a place where William Wordsworth went to school and Beatrix Potter lived just down the road, a place abounded by the beauty of Windermere and the fun of Grizedale Forest. "This really is a cracking place to be," says Cllr David Fletcher, who has lived in the area since he was a boy. As well as the attractions of its history and landscape, the village has a large number of active community and sports groups, including the thriving Esthwaite Vale FC. "I couldn't ask to live in a nicer place," says Joanne Hodgson, a native of the village who moved back from Liverpool a few years ago. • Hawkshead village centre "Once I had my little boy I just knew I wanted to move back here, the school is amazing," says Joanne, who works at the pharmacy on Main Street. Community At Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary School headteacher Joyce Hallam says involving the 60 pupils in community activities is one of the underlying themes of school life. "We are involved in the church and Christmas fairs and the Rose Queen Gala," she says. "We work with businesses in the village and we work with the church to support the older people, as well as groups like Cumbria Wildlife, the National Trust and Windermere Reflections." She hopes the school's next community project will be to design a sign for the recently revamped entrance to the village's recreation ground. "The school needs to be part of the community and we would love to support anything that • Joanne Hodgson (left) and Carol Aughpin at Collins and Butterworth Pharmacy will help revitalise the village because there is a need for a significant amount of funding to give it a facelift," she says. For as much as the people of Hawkshead love their village, they are still fighting to try and make it even better. Visitors Hawkshead's charms have made it one of the traditional 'honey pot' sites of the Lakes, attracting up to 340,000 visitors each year. However, residents say it hasn’t been immune to the effects of the recession. For the first time since Cllr Fletcher moved to the area aged eight there are shops standing empty in the village square. "We have just never had empty shops here before," he says. For the last four years the village's business forum has been working to try and boost commerce in the town. This has included organising events like the Christmas fair to attract extra people into the village. • Traditional lakeland houses Chief among people's concerns are public realm areas, where cobbles are sticking up and exposed. A special group formed by local people has worked with South Lakeland District Council to formulate plans for improvements to the village squares and the main entry points to the town. Ambitious At the Croft Caravan and Campsite manager Charlotte Wood has invested in 11 wooden lodges, which are open all year round. "We are certainly very, very busy with the lodges, which is good because it brings people in who spend money in the village," she says. "Hawkshead is a beautiful place and it has a lot to offer but at the moment we are being let down by our public areas." Edward Johnson, landlord of the Kings’ Arms, says there is only so much local people can do to help themselves. "It really has been a honeypot, but at the moment it isn't," he says. www.southlakeland.gov.uk • Cllr David Fletcher (left) and Edward Johnson, landlord of Kings’ Arms Hotel "No-one wants to whinge and we do a lot ourselves, but it is starting to show the signs of a place that needs a leg up." For now Cllr Fletcher says the village will continue looking into how to fund improvements to its public areas, which it is estimated could cost as much as £900,000. "It's quite an ambitious project, but that's Hawkshead for you, people are very proactive," he says. Contact your councillor Cllr David Fletcher Tel: 01229 860234 Email: d.fletcher@southlakeslibdems. org.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Page 11 South Lakeland News Cardboard and plastic kerbside collections rolled-out to 14,000 homes The council has introduced the new collections to more than 14,000 households in the Kendal area, the first phase of an expansion that will eventually take in the whole district. RESIDENTS in South Lakeland are benefiting from new plastic and cardboard kerbside recycling collections that started in January. Recycling case study Residents are using a new blue recycling bag for collecting plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays; as well as cans, while one of the existing blue boxes is being used for cardboard and paper, with the other continuing to be used for glass. Jill Knowles is one of many Kendal residents enjoying using the new kerbside plastic and cardboard recycling. Before the plastic and cardboard kerbside collections started for 14,000 homes in January, Jill used to take her plastic and card to recycling banks, but now says it’s even easier to recycle thanks to the new service. Jill, who lives on Sandylands, said: “I think recycling is very good, it really reduces the amount of house hold waste that goes into your domestic waste bin. It is estimated that in the first month of the new collections an additional five tonnes of plastic and an additional five tonnes of cardboard has been collected thanks to the kerbside service. Five tonnes of plastic equates to approximately 200,000 plastic milk cartons. “Our grey bin is never full any more when it is collected every two weeks.” Since the new blue recycling bags have been delivered, Jill’s daughter and grandchildren have also been bitten by the recycling bug. Following the successful roll-out of the enhanced kerbside recycling services, the next stage is to expand the service to other areas before the end of the year. The exact locations have not been identified as yet, but work is ongoing to determine which round locations could be accommodated with the specialist vehicles that are required to undertake the collections. The authority’s Council Plan target is to recycle 50% of waste collected in the district. Currently it is achieving a 43% recycling rate. South Lakeland District Councillor, Sue Sanderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and People, said: “The first phase of the plastic and cardboard kerbside collections has gone well and we are working towards introducing these collections across the whole district. “By extending the range of items that we collect through kerbside recycling it helps the environment, reduces the amount of residual waste we have to deal with, creates income and also helps us to meet our recycling targets.’’ Visit: www.southlakeland.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling for more information about kerbside recycling, as well as video guides about which container to use for which recycling materials and what happens to your plastic after collection. Jill said: “My daughter has just started to use the blue bag and has become recycling manic, recycling everything she can.” Follow SLDC on Twitter @SouthLakelandDC or ‘like’ the Facebook page at facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil for updates, reminders and details about recycling and waste collections. A day in the life of.....a council street sweeper John’s sweeping up in the street clean stakes WHILE most of us are still tucked up in bed, the work to keep our streets clean and litter free is just beginning. And for South Lakeland District Council Sweeper Operative John Rodway that means lots of early starts. A typical working day for 62-year-old John starts at 6:30am, with the regular vehicle checks at Ecclerigg Depot before he can take his trusty Citymaster 2000 Hako sweeper out on his daily route around the streets of Windermere and Bowness. • Sweeper Operative John Rodway using his trusty Citymaster 2000 Hako sweeper It is while the town centres are quiet, in the early hours of the morning, that the council’s street care teams set about their duties, so that by the time most people are arriving for work the streets are swept and pristine ready for the day ahead. John’s only company while he is out in the sweeper is the bleeping of the on-board computer and a bit of music on the CD player, and frequently the only people he sees are the early-bird shop keepers opening up. John said: “You get to know the shop keepers on your route; I have a good rapport with them. If their blinds are down, they lift them up so I can sweep in front of the shops. “We clean the town centres in the early morning and then residential areas once everyone has left for the day.” John and his colleagues are also willing to go that extra mile for the community, and in recent years have been making special trips to ensure that the areas around war memorials are given extra attention in the run up to Remembrance Day. In John’s case that means he makes a detour from his regular route to make sure the area around the memorial in Staveley is clear of all litter and leaves in readiness for the commemorations. Once John has completed his early morning sweeping schedule, around 9am, he heads back to the depot to empty and clean the machine before tackling either one of the weekly or monthly scheduled areas. www.southlakeland.gov.uk John explained the most rewarding aspect of the job, saying: “I like seeing a whole street completely clean, even if it’s just for half-an-hour. You get a kick out of seeing a job well done. “Now and then I get someone who stops me to say what a good job we are doing. But most people don’t realise the work we do as we tend to cleaning in areas when people aren’t there.’’ The work the council’s sweeper operatives do every day contribute towards the SLDC Council Plan commitment to ensure that the district’s high quality environment is enhanced and makes a positive contribution to its residents’ quality of life. Page 12 South Lakeland News Did you know? • In 2013/14 SLDC supported community organisations awarding a total of £298,750 in grants. Settlebeck Healthier Menu Award A SECONDARY school in Sedbergh has received an award for its healthy menu. SLDC invited all secondary schools to take part in Healthier Menus for Schools Award that is being run in collaboration with Cumbria County Council. The aim of the scheme is to encourage children to make healthier and more informed food choices, picking more fruit and vegetables and less saturated fats, sugars and salts. In December Settlebeck in Sedbergh became the second school to in the district to get the award. Cartmel Priory was the first school in South Lakeland to meet all the criteria. Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC Forum praise for council’s business support BUSINESS leaders praised South Lakeland District Council at a prestigious forum. The support that SLDC and its Invest in South Lakeland economic development team offers to businesses was highlighted by a number of organisations at The Times’ Forum, which was held at the new science and engineering hub at Kendal College in November. The event was organised by the national newspaper in collaboration with the Invest in South Lakeland team. The forum discussions formed the basis of a special feature in the northern edition of The Times’ Business Insight magazine in December. The feature also included profiles of key South Lakeland businesses and interviews with senior councillors driving the council’s economic development strategies. The newspaper has a readership of more than 300,000, including many key decision-makers in the business community. Maria Whitehead, owner of Hawkshead Relish, told the forum: “SLDC is pro-active with its support for business, if you have a business proposal they are not about knocking people down, but about encouraging them.” Adrian Rawlinson, of Marl International, also praised SLDC for doing a ‘fantastic job’, and Martyn Nicholson, Managing Director of Russell Armer Homes, congratulated the council on its land allocations policy to encourage business growth and job creation, saying: “Praise is due to councillors for getting behind the allocation of land. This will give opportunities for development and will encourage employment.” Topics discussed during the forum included the need for faster broadband, technical training for young people, the need for affordable housing, South Lakeland as a ‘brand’ and the importance of international events. SLDC leader Councillor Peter Thornton said: “It was wonderful to hear such positive views from local businesses. South Lakeland is a wonderful place to do business and it is great to hear so many businesses talking about expanding. “It was an excellent event and to hold the forum at Kendal College in its new engineering facility was the icing on the cake.” Did you know? • 505,747 car park tickets were purchased across the district from July 2014 till September 2014 • The first panellists at The Times Forum • Delegates listening to panellists at The Times Forum at Kendal College www.southlakeland.gov.uk • Some of second panellists at Times forum at Kendal College Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Page 13 South Lakeland News How are people appointed to the council’s Independent Remuneration Panel? £ £ £ £ £ £ £ IN the second of his articles about the work of SLDC’s Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP), chairman David Holden (pictured) explains how members are appointed to the panel, which determines how much councillors are paid in allowances. Moving Holocaust commemorations A CANDLE was lit in South Lakeland to mark Holocaust Memorial in Kendal Day as part of a national initiative to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Kendal was chosen to host the lighting of one of 70 candles specially designed by world-renowned artist Sir Anish Kapoor as part of the commemorations. Concentration camp survivor Joe Berger lit the candle on 26 January as part of a concert in Kendal Town Hall to honour survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides. The event in Kendal was chosen to be part of the candle-lighting from hundreds of applications sent to the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the charity responsible for marking Holocaust Memorial Day in the UK. As part of the South Lakeland commemorations there was also a short ceremony at The Birdcage in Kendal, at mid-day followed by the free afternoon public concert performed in the town hall by international concert pianist Anthony Hewitt, against a backdrop of projected films from the archive of the Lake District Holocaust Project. The Birdcage was adorned with artwork produced by students at the Lakes School, and Lakes School student Keelan Hardy read out a poem he composed for the event, while a member of the Lancaster and Lakes Jewish community recited the Kaddish. writer and Holocaust educationalist. All the events on 26 January were organised by South Lakeland District Council and its Chairman Evelyn Westwood, working together with the Lake District Holocaust Project. South Lakeland has a direct link to Holocaust survivors after 300 Jewish children from concentration camps came to Windermere directly from the Theresienstadt camp in Eastern Europe after it was liberated in 1945. Joe Berger was in Theresienstadt from 1942 until liberation in 1945, when, aged 12, he came to the Lake District as one of the children evacuated to Britain under the ‘Kindertransport’ project. He was accompanied at the ceremony by fellow concentration camp survivor and evacuee Gerda Rothberg. The concert at Kendal Town Hall included music composed by musicians from the Theresienstadt concentration camp , and was preceded by the lighting of the special candle by Joe Berger and an introduction by Susan Stein, a New York-based Councillor Westwood, said: “This was a very special event for South Lakeland. “I hope people will learn from the Holocaust and other genocides and that this will strengthen bonds of respect and enable us to pledge to take a step, to create a safer, better future.’’ You may ask who are these people who sit on the panel, and how do they become members of the panel? The panel consists of five people who had, at the time of their appointment, been resident in the SLDC district. They must have an understanding of local government and broader community issues, have the ability to act impartially, consider evidence with an open mind and debate issues with other panel members with a view to reaching a decision. Further, the selection criteria provides for prospective members not being a member of any political party or be politically active to the extent that a reasonable person would conclude that this activity would influence the member’s judgement. The panel member must also not be employed by SLDC or any district or county council or several other public bodies. It is essential that members have the knowledge, skills and experience to read and access information and identify key points and issues, ask questions in order to obtain information and open up discussion, analyse information and use it to form opinions and conclusions as part of a team. It is desirable, among other things, to have an understanding of the roles of councillors and the regulations and guidance which applies to members. Finally, of paramount importance, the panel must be seen to be working independently of the council. The five members of the panel are currently Michael Duff, a former senior manager in high tech and communications companies; Andrew Hampshire, a retired area bank manager; David Holden, a retired solicitor formerly in private practice; Suzanne Pender, a project manager and Janice Wilson, a qualified Blue Badge tourist guide for Cumbria. Andrew Hampshire, David Holden and Janice Wilson’s appointments expire on 1 July 2015, when David Holden and Janice Wilson will be eligible for reappointment, but Andrew Hampshire will not because he no longer lives in South Lakeland district. Michael Duff and Suzanne Pender’s appointments expire on 31 July 2016, when they will both be eligible for reappointment. The arrangements for the appointment of panel members has recently been changed so that for next year’s appointments members will, subject to a transitional period, serve for four years, with no overall cumulative maximum term of eight years but with the ability to re-apply after a four year break. All appointments to the IRP will be validated by the Chief Finance Officer, ensuring elected councillors themselves have no involvement in appointments. This ensures the complete independence of the panel. Look out for the publication of a Public Notice in local press and on the SLDC website and elsewhere inviting applications from candidates wishing to join the panel (see page 16 for IRP Appointment Notice). See www.southlakeland.gov.uk for further details. The final IRP article in the Summer edition of South Lakeland News will explain the panel’s function with regard to parish council allowances. David Holden is a retired solicitor and former parish councillor. www.southlakeland.gov.uk Follow us on Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC Page 14 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC Family loving life in former ‘empty home’ For residential development CIL is only liable if the new development has 100 square metres, or more, of gross internal floor space, or involves the construction of additional dwellings even when that is below 100sqm. New development charge to fund infrastructure A NEW charge on developments to help pay for infrastructure improvements is proposed to come in to force this Spring. Through the Local Plan land allocations South Lakeland District Council has identified sites for the development of hundreds of new homes and employment sites across the district, that could mean additional infrastructure is required in areas such as transport, education, health and leisure. The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that will be collected by the council based on the size and type of new development to pay towards key infrastructure projects. A proportion of CIL receipts will also be passed to parish and town councils for communities to spend on local infrastructure projects. Any development where a planning decision notice is issued after the date the charge comes into effect will be liable to pay CIL. CIL applies to all new-build residential development, sheltered/retirement housing and supermarket or retail warehousing in South Lakeland outside the National Parks. Follow us on Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC and visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ southlakeland districtcouncil/ A YOUNG family is settling in to their new home in Ulverston thanks to a new grant scheme launched by South Lakeland District Council. Justine Steel, her partner Will Little and their three children, Alysha, 9, Leon, 7, and Alleah, 4, are all enjoying their new life in a smart three-bedroomed house on Devonshire Road. The property had been inherited by its current owner, who didn’t want to sell the house but was unable to afford the repairs required to bring it up to date. As a result it had stood empty for a number of years and was identified by SLDC’s empty homes officer as a property that could qualify for the new Empty Homes Grant Management Scheme, a programme designed to help with repairs to bring empty homes back into use to provide more affordable housing. The house needed roof repairs, wall tie replacements, repointing and While any new build over this size will be subject to CIL, the gross internal floorspace of any existing building(s) on the site to be demolished will be deducted from the final charge calculation, provided it has been in continuous lawful use. Conversions of existing buildings, subdivision of a dwelling into two or more dwellings and changes of use that do not involve additional new build floorspace are not liable for CIL if they have been in lawful use. CIL will also not be charged on affordable housing and development by a charity for charitable purposes, however applicants will be required to apply for an exemption. Other exemptions could include selfbuild dwellings, extensions and residential annexes. new windows, while inside it got a complete re-fit, including new kitchen and bathroom, new boiler, re-decoration and new carpets throughout. A £20,000 grant was provided by SLDC and the work was carried out by scheme partners South Lakes Housing, which has added the home to its stock of excouncil houses and found a tenant through the Cumbria Choice lettings scheme. Under the scheme South Lakes Housing manages the tenancy for five years to provide another much-needed affordable home, while the property owner receives the rental income, less a 10% management charge. At the end of the five years the property is returned to the owner in a ready-to-let condition. Councillor Jonathan Brook, SLDC portfolio holder for strategic growth, described the scheme as a real ‘win-win’ situation for all involved. He said: “This is the Jonathan Brook, SLDC’s portfolio holder for Strategic Growth, said: “The council has put in place an ambitious Local Plan to meet the district’s housing and employment needs. “The CIL is a key part of a plan for strategic growth that is accompanied by the necessary infrastructure.” first property we have completed through the new scheme and it is a fantastic example of what can be achieved. “The owner gets the property upgraded to a good standard, the council gets to bring an empty home back into use towards our key aim to provide more affordable housing, and the tenant gets a good quality home.’’ David Stubbs, Director of Customers and Communities at South Lakes Housing, added: “This is a great example of working in partnership with SLDC to bring empty properties back into use. “The property has been upgraded to a high standard which will benefit a local young family who would have otherwise still have been waiting for accommodation.’’ Justine Steel says the whole family is delighted with their new home – and adds that the scheme has helped her to stay in her home town. Justine said: “I’m from Ulverston and really want to stay here, but there is a problem finding decent affordable houses. “This (Empty Homes Grant Management) scheme is a really brilliant idea, it seems it helps everyone and certainly we are very happy with the results.’’ For more information about the Empty Homes Grant Management Scheme contact SLDC’s Empty Homes Officer on 01539 793375, or visit the Empty Homes pages of our website www.southlakeland.gov.uk • Ulverston resident Justine Steel (third from right) who has just moved in to her new home with her partner and three children. She is pictured with (from left) Carl Ballantyne, Project Manager and Katie Bamber, Housing Officer, both of South Lakes Housing; Julie Jackson, Principal Housing Strategy Officer, Lynne Campbell, Empty Homes Officer and Councillor Jonathan Brook, all of SLDC. For more detailed information about CIL, including the rates of charge and how it is calculated, can be found on our website at: www.southlakeland.gov.uk/CI L or on the Planning Portal: www.planningportal.gov.uk/pl anning/applications/howtoap ply/whattosubmit/cil Community taking control A COMMUNITY will be able to take more control of development and use of land after its parish was designated as a ‘Neighbourhood Area’. SLDC has approved an application from Lower Allithwaite Parish Council, which means the parish council can now prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. Neighbourhood Area designations and Neighbourhood Plans were introduced to give local communities greater rights and powers to shape new development in their area. Any planning decisions will need to take account of the adopted plan, and once the plan is in place the parish council will receive additional income from the proposed Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – a charge that councils can place on developers building new properties. Parish councils without a Neighbourhood Plan in place would receive 15% of CIL receipts on any development in the parish, but once a Neighbourhood Plan is adopted the parish council’s CIL www.southlakeland.gov.uk receipt income goes up to 25%. Money raised through CIL can then be used by the parish council to help fund the local infrastructure needed to support the proposed development. Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ Page 15 South Lakeland News emergency Keep this page safe in case of major e.g. severe flooding, storms or prolonged freezing weather For problems with services: M6 and A590 Highways Agency on 0300 123 5000 and follow on Twitter: @HAnews_nwest Visit: www.trafficengland.com > Traffic Map Other roads Flooded/closed roads and blocked road drains, surface water from land and problems with minor watercourses contact Cumbria Highways: 0845 609 6609 and follow on Twitter: @CumbriaCC Sewer flooding United Utilities on 0845 746 2200 and follow on Twitter: @unitedutilities Visit: www.unitedutilities.com > Emergencies > Flooding River flooding Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188 and follow on Twitter: @ENAgencyNW Visit: www.gov.uk > Environment and Countryside > Flooding and extreme weather Signing up for Flood Alerts 0800 807060 Power cuts Electricity North West on 0800 195 4141 or email: [email protected] or follow on Twitter @ElectricityNW. For updates listen to your local radio station or visit: www.enwl.co.uk > Power Cuts Vulnerable customers, including some older or disabled people, or those with a medical dependency on electricity, can also sign up to the Priority Services Register by calling 0800 195 4141 or visiting: www.enwl.co.uk > Our Services > Priority Customers Gas emergencies National Grid on 0800 111 999 and follow on Twitter: @nationalgriduk Also updates via Facebook at National Grid UK. Did you know? • In total we collected £69 million in Council Tax receipts in 2013/14, and collected £40 million in non-domestic rate receipts in 2013/14 For updates and information during an emergency: Century FM South Lakeland District Council Westmorland Gazette SLDC Contact Centre: 0845 050 4434 8am to 6pm - or - out of hours emergencies only 0870 428 6905 and 0870 428 6906 and follow onTwitter: @SouthLakelandDC Facebook: South Lakeland District Council Visit: www.southlakeland.gov.uk follow on Twitter: @gazettenewsdesk Visit www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk Cumbria Police BBC Radio Cumbria follow on Twitter: @BBC_Cumbria Visit: www.bbc.co.uk > travelnews to report an emergency dial 999, for non urgent reports dial 101 and follow on twitter: @Cumbriapolice @kendalpolice @barrowpolice Northern Rail Train Service tune into: 95.2 - 96.1 FM, 104.1 - 104.2 FM, 756 MW, 837 MW, 1458 MW and follow on Twitter: @BBC_Cumbria Visit: www.bbc.co.uk > News > England > Cumbria Lakeland Radio tune into 105.4 FM /96.4 FM / 102.2 FM / 103.4 FM and follow on Twitter: @cfmradio Visit: www.cfmradio.com Met Office weather warnings follow on twitter: @metofficeNWEng Visit: www.metoffice.gov.uk > public > weather > warnings BBC Weather North West Evening Mail follow on twitter: @bbcweather Visit: www.bbc.co.uk > weather follow on Twitter: @NWEMlive Visit: www.nwemail.co.uk BBC Travel News Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to report an emergency dial 999 and follow on Twitter: @CumbriaFire tune into: 100.1, 100.8 & 101.4 FM and follow on Twitter: @LakelandRadio Visit: www.lakelandradio.co.uk Maritime and Coastguard Agency The Bay Cumbria Community Messaging tune into: 96.9 FM / 102.3 FM / 103.2FM and follow on Twitter: @TheBayOfficial Visit: www.thebay.co.uk Provides people across Cumbria with information from agencies. Visit: www.cumbriacommunitymessaging.co.uk follow on Twitter: @MCA_media 0630-2030 Mon-Fri, 0800-2000 Sat & 0900-1700 Sun and follow on Twitter: @northernrailpr Visit: www.northernrail.org Virgin trains tel: 08719 774 222 and follow on twitter: @VirginTrains visit: www.virgintrains.co.uk Transpennine Express tel: 0845 600 1671 and follow on twitter: @tpexpresstrains Visit: www.tpexpress.co.uk What to do if there’s a power cut: Electricity North West operates the local electricity network in South Lakeland. The power operator owns and maintains the electricity network in the North West of England. It’s their job to deliver a safe, reliable supply of electricity from the National Grid to your home, through their network of overhead lines, underground cables and substations. In a power cut customers can contact Electricity North West 24/7 by phone on 0800 195 4141, and check the website at www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk or on Twitter @ElectricityNW for live updates. Top tips in a power cut: • Keep your freezer and fridge door closed to prevent defrosting • Leave a light on so you know when power is restored • Use a battery operated or wind-up torch. If you don’t have access to either, please take care when using candles • Check on your elderly or sick neighbours and relatives Vulnerable customers can also sign up to Electricity North West’s Priority Services Register to receive extra support if they experience a power cut. To register go to www.electricitynorthwest.co.uk/ priority or call 0800 195 4141. Did you know? • Met Office From April 2013 till March 2014 we helped 317 people from becoming homeless. www.southlakeland.gov.uk • Make sure electrical appliances, such as cookers, electric fires etc are turned off • Join Electricity North West’s Priority Service Register if you need extra support electricitynorthwest.co.uk/ priority • If you need any advice ring Electricity North West 24/7 on 0800 195 4141 or follow @ElectricityNW on Twitter Page 16 South Lakeland News Twitter: @SouthLakelandDC How to contact YOUR councillor AMBLESIDE & GRASMERE CONISTON & CRAKE VALLEY KENDAL HERON HILL KENDAL STRICKLAND Cllr Vivienne J. C. REES Greenheys, Lakeview Drive, Stock Lane, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9TD Tel: 015394 35401 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr D. Anne HALL Thurston Brae, Bridge End, Coniston LA21 8EN Tel: 015394 41558 Mob: 07771 988518 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE Cllr Phil WALKER 9 Buttermere Drive, Kendal, LA9 7PA Mob:07554 005002 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr Stephen J. COLEMAN 47 Laurel Gardens, Kendal LA9 6FE Tel: 01539 729049 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL HIGHGATE KENDAL UNDERLEY Cllr Heidi HALLIDAY 19 Kirkfield, Ambleside LA22 9HA Tel: 015394 31472 Mob: 07543024817 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT CROOKLANDS Cllr Sheila ECCLES 25 Birchfield, Endmoor, Kendal LA8 0JA Tel: 015395 67629 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT ARNSIDE & BEETHAM GRANGE NORTH Cllr Prudence M. JUPE Beetham House Lodge, Beetham, Milnthorpe LA7 7AP Mob: 07717 494786 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Vice Chairman of the Council Cllr Andrew P. GARDINER 24 Arnside Crescent, Morecambe, Lancs LA4 5PW Mob: 07825 768496 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE Cllr Ian STEWART 10 Rose Hill Grove, Sandside, Milnthorpe LA7 7HR Tel: 015395 62391 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr Tom HARVEY 4 Westcliffe Gardens, Grange-over-Sands LA11 6BT Tel: 015395 32932 Mob: 07769 705307 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE BROUGHTON Cllr Joss W. CURWEN Waitham Hill Farm, Kirkby-in-Furness LA17 7UZ Tel: 01229 716412 Mob: 07765 577663 LIBERAL DEMOCRAT GRANGE SOUTH HAWKSHEAD Cllr David FLETCHER Laburnum Cottage, Satterthwaite, Ulverston LA12 8LR Tel: 01229 860234 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr Philip J. DIXON Rectory Farm, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3GZ Tel: 015394 22516 Mob: 07968 412827 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL KIRKLAND Cllr Alvin FINCH 35 Anchorite Road, Kendal, LA9 5NF Mob: 07846 077672 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL MINTSFEET Cllr David EVANS Wainwright House, Fowl Ing Lane, Kendal LA9 6PH Tel: 01539 737068 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL NETHER Cllr Clare FEENEY-JOHNSON 28 Howe Bank Close, Kendal LA9 7PU Tel: 01539 422939 c.feeney-johnson@ southlakeslibdems.org.uk LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BURNESIDE HOLKER Cllr Chris HOLLAND 33 Sandgate, Kendal LA9 6HT Mob: 07891 009337 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL, OXENHOLME & NATLAND Cllr Gill GARDNER 32 Jutland Avenue, Ravenstown, Flookburgh LA11 7LF Tel: 015395 59461 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr Brenda C. GRAY Rose Cottage, Hincaster, Milnthorpe LA7 7ND Tel: 015395 61135 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT BURTON & HOLME Cllr Roger K. BINGHAM The Smithy, Ackenthwaite, Milnthorpe LA7 7DH Tel: 015395 63694 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE Cllr Brian COOPER 4 Hillside, Holme, Carnforth, Lancs LA6 1QD Tel: 01524 781998 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE CARTMEL & GRANGE WEST Cllr Mary E. WILSON Gateside Farm, Cark Road, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands LA11 7NR Tel: 015395 36673 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL CASTLE Cllr Chris HOGG 4 Valley Drive, Kendal, LA9 7AG Tel: 01539 583759 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL FAR CROSS Cllr Shirley Evans Wainwright House, Fowl Ing Lane, Kendal, LA9 6PH Tel: 01539 737068 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL PARKS Cllr Jonathan R. BROOK 87 Hayclose Road, Kendal LA9 7NF Tel: 01539 722540 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL ROMNEY Cllr Graham J. VINCENT 15 Underley Hill, Kendal LA9 5EX Tel: 01539 725402 Mob: 07584 528462 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL FELL Cllr Giles ARCHIBALD 35 Greenside, Kendal LA9 5DU Tel: 01539 731672 Mob: 07415 000765 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT KENDAL STONECROSS Cllr Sylvia M. EMMOTT 3 Collinfield, Kendal LA9 5JD Tel: 01539 721452 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Cllr Matt SEVERN 2 Ash Grove, Kendal, LA9 5QX Mob: 077948 58017 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LEVENS Cllr Annie RAWLINSON Laurel Bank, Low Gate, Levens, Kendal LA8 8NJ Tel: 015395 61531 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LOW FURNESS Cllr James AIREY 5 Reeds Gardens, Little Urswick, Ulverston LA12 0US Tel: 01229 868088 Mob 07881 920810 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE LYTH VALLEY Cllr John M. HOLMES Tower Hill, Crosthwaite, Kendal LA8 8HX Tel: 015395 68599 Mob: 07766 774326 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE MID FURNESS Cllr Caroline AIREY 5 Reeds Gardens, Little Urswick, Ulverston LA12 0US Tel: 01229 868088 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE Cllr Janet WILLIS Post Office, Bigland View, Main Street, Greenodd, Ulverston LA12 7RB Mob: 07976 763067 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Kevin LANCASTER Fellgate, Dowbiggin, Sedbergh LA10 5LS Mob: 07980 844695 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE Cllr Evelyn WESTWOOD 5 Bainbridge Road, Sedbergh LA10 5AU Tel: 015396 20148 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Chairman of the Council STAVELEY-IN-CARTMEL Cllr Sue SANDERSON Lowton,7 Water Close, Backbarrow, Ulverston LA12 8QZ Tel: 015395 31125 Mob: 07584 528464 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT STAVELEY-IN-WESTMORLAND Cllr Stan COLLINS 8 Gowan Close, Staveley, Kendal LA8 9NW Tel: 01539 821086 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT ULVERSTON CENTRAL Cllr Bharath Sundara RAJAN 38 Woodland Road, Ulverston LA12 ODX Tel: 01229 583629 Mob: 07786 425301 [email protected] LABOUR ULVERSTON EAST Cllr J. Mark WILSON 7 Parkfield, Swarthmoor, Ulverston LA12 0HW Tel: 01229 586404 [email protected] LABOUR ULVERSTON NORTH Cllr Helen IRVING 11 Garden Terrace, Ulverston LA12 7DA Mob: 07743 493383 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE MILNTHORPE Cllr David RYDER 20 Church Street, Milnthorpe LA7 7DX Tel: 015395 65716 Mob: 07703 659100 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT SEDBERGH & KIRKBY LONSDALE Cllr Nick COTTON Sarum House, Biggins Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, Carnforth LA6 2HL Tel: 015242 71477 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT ULVERSTON WEST Cllr Janette E. JENKINSON Barne House, Broad Dale, Ulverston LA12 7SE Tel: 01229 585305 Mob: 07765 244002 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE WHINFELL Cllr Peter THORNTON Ubarrow Hall, Longsleddale, Kendal LA8 9BB Tel: 01539 823640 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Leader of the Council WINDERMERE APPLETHWAITE & TROUTBECK Mr Ben BERRY Yew Tree House, Troutbeck, Windermere LA23 1PL Mob: 07881 388042 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE WINDERMERE BOWNESS NORTH Cllr Colin JONES Eller Rigg, Cornbirthwaite Road, Windermere LA23 1DG Mob: 0787 9880119 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT WINDERMERE BOWNESS SOUTH Cllr David WILLIAMS Red Screes, Fellside, Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3FS Tel: 015394 88412 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE WINDERMERE TOWN Cllr Dyan JONES 1 Oldfield Road, Windermere LA23 2AZ Tel: 015394 48126 [email protected] LIBERAL DEMOCRAT ULVERSTON SOUTH Cllr Amanda Jane RIGG Red House, North Lonsdale, Ulverston LA12 9DX Tel: 01229 480406 Mob: 07511 899300 [email protected] CONSERVATIVE ULVERSTON TOWN Cllr John Victor CLOUGH 23 Soutergate, Ulverston LA12 7ES Tel: 01229 581970 Mob: 07977 863233 [email protected] LABOUR Did you know? • Total electorate in the district as of February 2014 is 80,782. The % turnout at last May’s district elections was 47.48% South Lakeland District Council needs people from the local community Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/southlakelanddistrictcouncil/ COME and join SLDC’s Independent Remuneration Panel and help make recommendations on councillors’ allowances. South Lakeland District Council is looking for people with a keen eye for detail and an inquisitive nature to join its Independent Remuneration Panel. The panel consists of five members of the public who annually review and make recommendations on the level of allowances paid to district and parish councillors. The purpose of the panel is to be fair, open and effective. Held during normal office hours, the meetings are held, on average, five times a year and allowances are paid to panel members for their attendance (currently £50.00 per meeting). The panel’s work is considered to be essential in providing an www.southlakeland.gov.uk impartial view on allowances which enhances public confidence in the process. There are currently three vacancies on the panel and SLDC would like to hear from anyone interested in becoming a part of an essential council function. Full details, including details of who is eligible to apply and an application form, can be viewed on SLDC’s website at: www.southlakeland.gov.uk or obtained by calling Julie Edmondson on (01539) 793309. For an informal discussion on the role please contact Matthew Neal, Solicitor to the Council, on (01539) 793305. Closing date for completed application forms, including the names and addresses of two people for references, is 12 noon on 20 March 2015 and they should be sent to: Matthew Neal, Solicitor to the Council, South Lakeland District Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4DQ.